Identifying Anaphora

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1. Which sentence contains anaphora?

The sun rose slowly, warming the hills.

We will work in the morning, we will work in the afternoon, we will work until the job is done.

She ran quickly and quietly.

The dog barked, whined, and howled all night.

“We will work…” is repeated at the beginning of multiple clauses, which is anaphora.

Explanation

“We will work…” is repeated at the beginning of multiple clauses, which is anaphora.

About This Quiz

Are you ready to recognize the power of repetition in writing and speech? In this quiz, you’ll explore anaphora, a rhetorical device where words or phrases are repeated at the beginning of clauses for emphasis and rhythm. You’ll practice identifying clear examples, distinguishing anaphora from other types of repetition, and... see moreunderstanding why writers and speakers use it so effectively. Through sentences, short passages, and true-or-false questions, you’ll build confidence in spotting anaphora across poetry, speeches, and everyday writing. Get ready to see how repetition can strengthen meaning and impact!
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2. What first name or nickname would you like us to use?

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2. What is the BEST definition of anaphora?

Repetition of sounds at the ends of words

Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or lines

Repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of words

Repetition of a question in the middle of a sentence

Anaphora specifically refers to repeating words/phrases at the beginnings of clauses or lines.

Explanation

Anaphora specifically refers to repeating words/phrases at the beginnings of clauses or lines.

3. The following uses anaphora: "I remember the river. I remember the bridge. I remember the laughter."

True

False

“I remember” repeats at the beginning of each sentence.

Explanation

“I remember” repeats at the beginning of each sentence.

4. In the sentence below, which repeated phrase creates anaphora? “You will not quit, you will not falter, you will not run away.”

Quit

You will not

Run away

Falter

“you will not” appears at the beginning of each clause.

Explanation

“you will not” appears at the beginning of each clause.

5. Anaphora can appear in poetry, speeches, and narrative writing.

True

False

It’s a general rhetorical device that can be used across genres.

Explanation

It’s a general rhetorical device that can be used across genres.

6. Which example uses anaphora MOST clearly?

Bright stars, bright moon, bright sky.

We must act now; we must act bravely; we must act together.

The car was loud, old, and rusty.

He liked running, jumping, and climbing.

“We must act” repeats at the beginning of each clause.

Explanation

“We must act” repeats at the beginning of each clause.

7. In this line, what is being repeated to create anaphora? “Every night I waited, every night I wondered, every night I worried.”

Every night

Waited

Worried

“Every night” starts each clause.

Explanation

“Every night” starts each clause.

8. Which sentence shows anaphora being used for emphasis?

You are tired, hungry, and frustrated.

They ran down the street and into the store.

We will not be silent, we will not be ignored, we will not be moved.

The bell rang loudly at noon.

“We will not” is repeated at the beginning of successive clauses.

Explanation

“We will not” is repeated at the beginning of successive clauses.

9. Anaphora must repeat exactly the same words at the beginning of each clause.

True

False

Usually anaphora repeats the same word or phrase; small variations can exist, but the pattern is built on repetition at the beginnings.

Explanation

Usually anaphora repeats the same word or phrase; small variations can exist, but the pattern is built on repetition at the beginnings.

10. Which of the following most clearly does not contain anaphora?

Here we stand, here we wait, here we listen.

We laughed, we cried, we remembered.

She smiled, and she smiled again.

No more fear, no more doubt, no more silence.

The repetition is within one clause, not the beginning of multiple separate clauses lined up for effect.

Explanation

The repetition is within one clause, not the beginning of multiple separate clauses lined up for effect.

11. In this excerpt, what kind of device is being used? “Now is the time to act. Now is the time to speak. Now is the time to change.”

Simile

Metaphor

Anaphora

Irony

“Now is the time” is repeated at the start of each sentence.

Explanation

“Now is the time” is repeated at the start of each sentence.

12. Anaphora is often used in speeches to build rhythm and intensity.

True

False

Repeating phrases at the start of lines creates a strong, memorable rhythm.

Explanation

Repeating phrases at the start of lines creates a strong, memorable rhythm.

13. Which revision creates anaphora from this original sentence? Original: “We will work hard and we will succeed.”

We will work hard and succeed suddenly.

We will work hard; we will work longer; we will work smarter.

We worked hard yesterday.

They will work hard and succeed.

“We will work” repeats at the beginning of each clause.

Explanation

“We will work” repeats at the beginning of each clause.

14. Which statement BEST explains why a writer might use anaphora?

To confuse the reader with repetition

To create rhythm and emphasize a key idea by repeating it

To make the sentence shorter

To list random details

Anaphora draws attention to the repeated phrase and builds emotional intensity.

Explanation

Anaphora draws attention to the repeated phrase and builds emotional intensity.

15. Which of these is NOT an example of anaphora?

In the rain, we waited. In the rain, we shivered. In the rain, we learned patience.

She sang softly, she sang sweetly, she sang beautifully.

This day, this hour, this moment—everything changes.

We rise at dawn, we rise at noon, we rise again at dusk.

“She sang” is repeated, but not strictly at the beginning of separate clauses that follow a parallel structure—this is closer to repetition in one sentence, not multiple separate clauses or lines used for emphasis.

Explanation

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Anneda Nettleton |Bachelor’s in Middle Grade Education |

K–12 Expert

Anneda N. is an experienced instructional designer and educator with over 22 years in K–12 education. She specializes in standards-aligned quizzes, curriculum development, literacy programs, and academic writing. Holds a Bachelor’s in Middle Grades Education and a Rank 1 Reading & Writing Specialist credential.